Michigan giving ‘big middle finger’ to its critics with College Football Playoff run

LOS ANGELES – Drake Nugent, Michigan’s starting center, wore a look of amusement.

He was talking about “constantly’’ seeing unfavorable media coverage of the Michigan football team as the Wolverines kept winning and winning en route to a 13-0 regular season.

“It’s funny to look at that stuff and still be able to win games while it’s going on,’’ Nugent said Friday. “It’s kind of like a big middle finger to everyone, honestly.’’

Nugent, whose Wolverines have rolled into town for a Monday matchup against Alabama at the Rose Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinals, scoffed at media coverage of a team that was engulfed by a sign-stealing scandal.

“..It’s kind of almost comical, like how much stuff has gone on this year, like in the media and stuff,” Nugent said. “I kind of laugh, like what the hell. There’s so much crap out there. …It’s great when you have that much stuff talked about you and you can still win.”

What are other Wolverines saying?

There was no time for a scientific survey of the Michigan players’ attitudes concerning public backlash over the sign-stealing scandal that led to a three-game suspension for coach Jim Harbaugh. Or about Harbaugh being suspended for the first three games of the season for allegedly providing false or misleading information to the NCAA during an investigation into possible recruiting violations.

Nugent’s sentiments seemed to reflect those of more than a few Wolverines. Such as Roman Wilson, who was asked about Alabama players saying they were not allowed to view practice film on their iPads — in what initially was seen as a response to Michigan’s alleged sign stealing.

“You know, when I saw that, I wasn’t really shocked,’’ Wilson said. “I feel like every team we play, somebody is going to say something about it.

“For us we just kind of sit…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-giving-big-middle-finger-124424046.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2023-12-30 12:44:24

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